
Château Margaux, 1er Cru Classé, Margaux, 2015
We were saddened to hear of the death of Paul Pontallier just before the primeur tastings. He worked tirelessly for over thirty years for Chateau Margaux, to promote and improve the wines. Although his death was untimely, 2015 will be remembered fondly by those who knew him as his last vintage. It is a vintage that is befitting of the great man; a vintage of depth, classicism, class and refinement. The Grand Vin accounts for just 35% of the crop and is produced from a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. We had high expectations having just tasted a seriously impressive Pavillon Rouge – and we were not disappointed, far from it. Chateau Margaux has produced one of the most hauntingly beautiful wines we can ever recall tasting from this noble terroir. It is classically understated yet ripples with power and a sense of nobility. Initially the perfumed bouquet of potpourri, roses, damsons, bilberry and griotte delights the nose. Then a silken swathe of aromatic dark fruit, crème de cassis and lacy flecks of bright crimson fruit captivated the palate. This is so detailed and effortless; the fruit is uplifting, refined and ever so charming. The tannins are discrete but ever-present, coated with beautiful red berry fruits. This mesmerising, nuanced wine goes on and on delighting the palate with new flavours and regal, effortless tannins. Simply Superb!
critic reviews
The 2015 Château Margaux has a seductive and absorbing bouquet with more red fruit, sous-bois, black olive and light seaweed scents that are beautifully defined and intense. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy, cohesive and powerful entry. This really lacquers the mouth with its tannins, yet there is a surfeit of freshness with a sapid finish that urges you back for more. Outstanding. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting at Farr Vintners.
Expansive, fleshy raspberry and damson fruits that narrow through the palate as the minerality, slate and crushed rock texture comes to the fore. Expertly put together, showing beautifully at the 10 year point but with a long life ahead, this is exceptional, the definition of soft power. The bottle is engraved with Hommage à Paul Pontallier, as this was the final vintage for Margaux's legendary director (it also marked the opening of the new cellar, although the second vintage for vinifying within it). This was a 100 point for me En Primeur and continues to deliver at the highest level. 100% new oak for ageing.
Chateau Margaux 2015 has a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot and is deep garnet in color. It is very closed and shy to begin, eventually opening out to beautiful warm cassis, black raspberries, and notes of dried mulberries, followed by hints of tobacco leaf, crushed rocks, and dried lavender, with a touch of Ceylon tea. The medium to full-bodied palate is rich and seductive, featuring grainy tannins and bright, bold acidity, finishing epically long and layered. The tannins are just a touch "al dente" compared with the 2016, but this is nonetheless gorgeous. This vintage is packaged in a beautiful commemorative bottle honoring winemaker Paul Pontellier, who passed away in 2016. The gold-etched black bottle bears the message, “Hommage à Paul Pontellier” at the bottom. This 2015 is an evocative swan song from a gifted winemaker, taken from us too soon.
product details
you may also like
1995 · Red Wine · Cab Sauvignon Merlot
Château Margaux
Château Margaux, 1er Cru Classé, Margaux [Danish Strip Labels]
Case 12 x 75 cl£5,859.88
Inc Duty & VAT1996 · Red Wine · Cab Sauvignon Merlot
Château Margaux
Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, Margaux
Case 12 x 75 cl£2,379.88
Inc Duty & VAT2008 · White Wine · Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Château Margaux
Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux
Case 12 x 75 cl£2,924.66
Inc Duty & VAT2023 · White Wine · Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Château Margaux
Pavillon Blanc, Second Vin
Case 3 x 75 cl£285.00
Ex Duty & VAT